Respecting Diversity

Diversity is such a loaded word. As a past ‘buzz word’, it has come into its own and is now just plain loaded. You don’t know where the conversation is going to go when you hear the word diversity.

You may have to remove your earrings and prepare for battle, or simply take a deep breath and prepare to explain some things.

Diversity affects us all. I’ll attempt to explain in the most innocuous way possible. In fact, I’ll just use wine. And who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of wine now and again? What you don’t? (Heathen!)

We are all very different people on very different paths and with very different pallets. There’s nothing wrong with that…really.

But still…when I hear someone praise something like an Asti Spumanti, plum wine or (god forbid) Morgan David, two buck chuck and the like, it gives me pause. I have to remember to not look at that person as if they have three heads, ten arms, and green skin. I wonder anew why these particular drinks were created in the first place! And we all know that I have a rather vivid imagination…so to just ponder how and why is always an adventure.

Anyhow…alternately, when I expound on my fondness for dry whites, cabernets and pinot noirs, I’m quite shocked by the response from the faux wine imbibers. When I receive the ghastly three heads, ten arm green thing look—well then that’s just plain wrong. I mean, come on…I have great taste! But only for those who concur. We all just have a different pallet, that’s all. It doesn’t make us any better or worse for having evolved sooner or later…okay, that was just plain mean…to each her own!

The Perfect End to Summer

The last few days have been odd. That is the only way to describe them. I have gone through every imaginable emotion. Right. All of them. The good news is that my hair isn’t falling out (as it tends to do when I’m stressed.)

It’s really funny, I have been calling every day this week the 23rd. I’ve post dated checks (quite by accident!), but it has just seemed that every day this week, I’ve thought it was the 23rd.

Laure brought it to my attention ever so gently that fall begins on the 23rd. I boldly proclaimed that this past Tuesday (19th) was the first day of fall…and I’m not sure what even prompted this declaration as I only know that 6/21 is the first day of Summer. I've always looked forward to Summer...never Fall. So, that said, there’s something to this date. I know not what it is, but I do look forward to it (obviously!)

And Summer WILL end perfectly. It rained all morning (and yes, I was up to witness it all…12:40-3:00 or so!) It has been gray for the majority of the day and even this evening, it’s raining still…but the sun’s out. Brightly. And there are not one, but two rainbows just outside my window. Yes: rain, bright sunshine, and two beautiful rainbows at 6:30 pm will mark the end of Summer 2006 for me. I’m going to bed right now! Or very soon, anyway.

Happy Fall.

Craving Spinach

I didn’t realize how much spinach I consume until this little e.coli epidemic. This morning at my favorite breakfast spot, I didn’t look at the menu (and I ALWAYS look at the menu although it never changes.) This time, I KNEW what I wanted. I had been thinking of it the entire ride over: Spinach omelet with sherry mushroom sauce and a side of bacon pancakes. (yes…bacon pancakes…sue me.)

When the waiter arrived, (I was heavily consumed in my writing and he did startle me) I ordered my food. He smiled sheepishly at me and replied, “we’re not serving the spinach omelet…”

“Right. E.coli. I forgot.” This is now the third time I’ve had to change my order while eating out. And I don’t eat out that much…trust me.

“Do you need another minute?”

“No. Uh…I’ll just have…yes. I’ll need another minute.”

I grabbed the menu and surveyed my options: My second fav, the Mediterranean oops, contains spinach! The Western…no, The Veggie…no, not in the mood for broccoli. The Santa Fe…hmmm…cilantro. YES!

When my new favorite waiter came back (I’ve never had him and he’s very attentive and takes his job seriously! I like that! A good tip to be sure) I ordered the Santa Fe, easy on the cheese and PLEASE bring me a side of the sherry mushroom sauce.

“Not a problem ma’am.” I ignored the ma’am as if it hadn’t happened, giving Jacob a pass.

When, pray tell is this spinach ban over anyway?!?!?!?!

Thanks Laure

I received this comment via Laure. Normally I shun this type of answer/question because people can be very judgmental and all...that and I can be shallow and I'd rather not show this side of me. BUT Laure has gone above and beyond to even respond so...here's her comment:

And which four famous people (alive or dead right now) would you invite to a dinner party and why?(They can be from different eras and genres but must "bring to the table" something of which you wish to encounter. Your blog looks great! Cheers!- Laure

So, I thought about my four and I took painstakingly long and my system booted me out and I had to restart (and yes, I was rather upset as I hadn't saved a thing...) and thus, here we go again... my four for dinner:

Zadie Smith. I am currently reading her book, On Beauty, and I have chosen it for book club this quarter. We will discuss it then, but even before completion, I am in love with her ability to transport the reader there. Wherever there is. I would love to tap her brain, so I would hold her hostage until she read at least two novels or partials and would give me her feedback and constructive criticism. I chose this book for a reason, and it keeps revealing itself as I read.

Prince. I love Prince. He’s a musical genius and while he might be aloof with the other guests, he would certainly entertain his hostess (me!) with either music or talk. Two birds…one stone.

Brad Pitt. Yes, this straddles the shallow, but really, there are things that he and Angie are involved in, that I know if I got just a moment of time…10 minutes…okay 30. As the first 20 would be devoted to wooing him away from Angie. Anyway, in my 10 minutes, I know that I could convince him to throw a few funds my way as it pertains to several NFPs I would like to fund/start/steward.

Lastly??? (read: last but not least) Okay, I’ll get slightly political and say Oprah. Miss O has a lot of pull and this coup would be like killing a village with a pellet. She, alone, could be instrumental in the NFPs, the books, the columns I would like to claim editor to, and all the good I’d like to see done.

That was tough. For me, as I’m always forward thinking and would like to see positive change and would benefit from movers and shakers who share my viewpoint and can lend a helping hand. So…at least Laure…who are your four? But know, I'm interested in everyone's responses.

Oh, and if you just plan to judge...move on.

A

Music, Yet Another Love

Yes…it’s true. It’s right up there with yoga, reflexology, traveling, writing and the internet. All of which are behind Myself and Blythe. Yes. I LOVE music..

I love how music can change a mood, illicit a bounce ( and who among us can claim that they are a ‘good’ dancer, with just the right…you got it…music!), and cause one to break out in chorus (I’m not a singer, but in the privacy of my shower, Minne Rippleton shudders…in a good way, thank you).

Music can set the mood of my day.

I remember when I was in college and an older admierer bought me a stero as an apartment warming gift (TLS will remember him! I wonder if you do, seeing as you never met). This relationship went nowhere…fodder for another blog at some point.

Anyhow, it has (I still keep it in my bathroom) an alarm, so I can awake to anything I want: a CD, the radio (any station), a tape or even my iPod if I so choose. I can be surprised or not. I’ve always fancied awakening to Prince (live or Memorex…any song…call me dear!). It just ensures a good day. What do you like to awaken to?

Check Me Out

I had a little guest spot in the RedEye today. Hint: you'll have to scroll down to see my pic/comments. Take a look, let me know your thoughts!

Andrea

Airports

Whenever I travel, no matter what airport, someone always stops me.

“Aren’t you…(Lola’s second daughter, that reporter in the Observer, my future ex-wife…).”

This idea of mistaken identity is only fun in one airport…LAX. That’s right, Los Angeles. In other airports…this isn’t much fun at all as I’m usually thought to be someone’s friends ex-girlfriend, daughter, or grand daughter.

I go out of my way to be mistaken in LAX, where I don a big floppy hat and sunglasses and walk really fast trying desperately not to be noticed, when really, it’s all about being noticed. Although, I always act like the bitchy starlet (sorry Sanaa) and get all irritated if I’m discovered (ha!). This way, perhaps they won’t ask for an autograph, only to find it says ‘Andrea Wright’ and not whoever they thought I was.

In LAX, there are always eager tourists wandering about trying to enhance their vacation experience by spotting a celeb (that’s just the world we live in folks!) and who am I not to allow someone that particular pleasure? Just don’t ask me for an autograph and be happy with the sighting!

It’s happened, the mistaken identity. A gentleman, fresh off a flight, had seen Love and Basketball on the plane and swore I was Sanaa Lathan. And he wouldn’t let it go. This happened in Las Vegas actually, so I didn’t have my gear and wasn’t prepared for the confrontation.

It ended well. He left me be and I won $250.00 playing blackjack! Ahh life, can’t beat it! Of course, today, I propably can't carry on my sunglasses....or the hat.